GHANA: Tinubu rallies Africa leaders against western validation

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President Bola Tinubu used Tuesday’s inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as an opportunity to unite African leaders around their common aspirations for growth and prosperity.

Tinubu praised the recent Ghanaian elections that elected Mahama as president, saying that because democracy has matured in Africa, the region and its leaders need to figure out how to break free from the influence of the West.

The election in Ghana, according to the president of Nigeria, who also serves as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, resolved the debate over whether Ghana and Africa can engage in democratic and fruitful undertakings.

He made a covert jab at Western powers when he remarked that it is past time for those who criticise Africa to cease forgetting the progress that the continent has made and to stop asking us to prove ourselves.

Recall that Mahama, the 12th President of Ghana from 2011 to 2017, regained his position in December 2024 after winning a reelection.

He is taking over for President Nana Akuffo-Addo, who was in office from 2017 until 2025.

As Ghana and her beloved people commemorate the change from one democratic government to another, Tinubu said Nigeria and the entire continent celebrate African democracy today.

“This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.

“Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace,” Tinubu said at the inuaguration ceremony in Accra.

Speaking further on his mission in the neigbouring country, Tinubu said, today, “I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.”

“The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare”.

That bright star serves as a reminder of who we are, the president of Nigeria stated, despite attempts by outsiders to denigrate Africa and keep brothers against brothers.

“It reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.

“The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.

“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.

“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.

“President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.

“May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region”.

He expressed optimism that the new government, led by President Mahama, would collaborate with Nigeria to fortify this strong connection, resulting in increased prosperity for all of our citizens.

His words, “I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.

“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.

“May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity”.

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